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GA-ASI and US Navy Fly MQ-20 Avenger Using MD-5 GCS To Perform Commanded Autonomy Maneuvers

Monday, November 11th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – 07 November 2024 – On November 5, 2024, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) used its MQ-20 Avenger®Unmanned Aircraft System to perform commanded autonomy maneuvers as part of a demonstration with the U.S. Navy (USN). The USN used its MD-5Ground Control Station (GCS) with Lockheed Martin’s MDCX™ autonomy platform to command and control the jet-powered UAS. Working collaboratively with the USN and Lockheed Martin, the GA-ASI team successfully executed the flight demonstration over a Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) datalink.

The USN’s Unmanned Carrier Aviation program office PMA-268 used GA-ASI’s MQ-20 as a surrogate to demonstrate how its Unmanned Carrier Aviation Mission Control Station (UMCS) can command a variety of unmanned aircraft. The MD-5 GCS was operated from the USN’s test facility at Patuxent River, Maryland, while the MQ-20 was flown out of GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility in El Mirage, California.

This flight was the first time a GA-ASI UAS completed bi-directional communications using the UMCS operation codes while performing autonomous behavior. The procedure was completed using the PLEO datalink.

“This effort was a prime example of industry partners and government agencies working together to perform important new capabilities,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The team efficiently and safely demonstrated aircraft flight control from another government agency’s control station. Using GA-ASI’s Tactical Autonomy Core Ecosystem (TacACE) software, the team not only executed airborne commands, but did so in a safe, controlled environment.”

The demonstration was part of an effort to advance technology for future Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). GA-ASI initiated the demonstration between PMA-268 and Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works to demonstrate connectivity between the Navy’s UMCS and GA-ASI’s MQ-20Avenger. MQ-20 is a jet-powered platform used extensively as a CCA surrogate test bed for autonomous UAS technology development. GA-ASI was recently selected for the U.S. Air Force’s CCA program.

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on GA-ASI and US Navy Fly MQ-20 Avenger Using MD-5 GCS To Perform Commanded Autonomy Maneuvers

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Launches the Cole Pro Grand Luxe Beretta A400

Sunday, November 10th, 2024

NAPLES, Fla. – October 22, 2024 – Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, a leading premium firearms retailer, is excited to introduce the Cole Pro Grand Luxe Beretta A400. This exclusive model is a masterpiece of craftsmanship that brings together the best of modern performance with the timeless beauty of vintage firearms.

The receiver, finished in Matte Black Cerakote, provides both durability and a perfect canvas for intricate laser-engraved designs. The exclusive Baroque floral motifs and scroll patterns add an air of old-world elegance, creating a striking contrast against the dark, modern finish. These engravings are inspired by the ornate firearms of yesteryear, giving the A400 Grand Luxe a truly distinctive and classic feel.

The premium Walnut stock and forend pairs beautifully with the classic Beretta 391-style metal forend flange, adding a nostalgic flair reminiscent of the beloved 391 series. Every detail has been considered to evoke the refined aesthetics of traditional semi-auto shotguns, showcasing Cole’s commitment to craftsmanship. The result is a shotgun that not only performs flawlessly but also stands out as a work of art.

Cole Gunsmithing performs a Precision trigger job for a crisp, clean and consistent pull. An action polish for smooth and effortless cycling and installation of a matching oversized operating handle and bolt closer for enhanced control and ease of use. Lastly, Cole Gunsmithing installs their Cole Precision OBHP extended chokes which are designed and manufactured for performance shooting.

“We are thrilled to continue our tradition of creating exclusive, elite shotgun models with our partners at Beretta,” said Rich Cole, Owner of Cole Gunsmithing. “This collaboration represents our shared commitment to providing professionals and enthusiasts alike with unparalleled customer service and excellent craftsmanship. The Cole Pro Grand Luxe Beretta A400 is a must-have, combining the utmost quality you expect from Beretta and Cole Fine Gunsmithing.”

Available in gold or silver filled engraving options, the Cole Pro Grand Luxe Beretta A400 offers options to suit the preferences of every customer. The Grand Luxe also includes 3 Cole precision OBHP extended chokes in black or silver, a Cole reel style choke wrench, a choke tube case and a Cole pro hardshell case.

Cole Fine Guns has a long-standing reputation for providing top-quality firearms and exceptional customer service. With this new launch, Cole Fine Guns continues to uphold its commitment to offering the finest firearms available on the market.

For more information about the Cole Pro Grand Luxe Beretta A400 and other premium firearms offered by Cole Fine Guns, visit www.colefineguns.com or contact the sales team at (800) 650-2653.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | Comments Off on Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing Launches the Cole Pro Grand Luxe Beretta A400

Charles Anderson New CEO: Bleecker Street and GAT Marketing Join

Saturday, November 9th, 2024

ROYAL OAK, Michigan – Bleecker Street Publications has acquired GAT Marketing, combining forces to spearhead a new wave of growth and innovation. This acquisition integrates GAT Marketing’s top-tier publication sites and award-winning team with Bleecker Street’s rapidly expanding media empire.

Effective immediately, Charles Anderson will lead Bleecker Street Publications as its new chief executive officer. Emily E. Long, Bleecker Street’s current chief legal officer, will now be able to use her new position to broaden the company’s appeal and develop an inclusive, non-partisan media resource that fills a gap ignored by traditional outlets.

Charles Anderson has taken leadership of Bleecker Street Publications as its new chief executive officer.

“This acquisition is a strategic leap forward,” said Emily E. Long, chair of the board of managers at Bleecker Street Publications. “Combining our strengths allows us to not only leverage GAT Marketing’s cutting-edge tools, but their extraordinary team, as their depth of expertise complements our own remarkable talent.

We have seen an increase of 486% growth following the Athlon Outdoors acquisition, and now, with GAT Marketing, it will propel us towards meeting the ambitious goals we set for 2025.”

Charles Anderson of GAT Marketing in USA Leaders Magazine.

In 2023, Anderson was featured in USA Leaders Magazine as one of the 10 most influential marketing and advertising leaders of 2023.

About Bleecker Street Publications
Bleecker Street Publications is a media company specializing in digital content related to firearms, outdoor activities, survival, military, and tactical gear. They acquired Athlon Outdoors in 2023 and continue to produce a wide range of digital content focused on these topics. Some of their well-known titles include “Ballistic,” “Tactical Life,” “Personal Defense World,” and “Skillset.” These titles cover product reviews, industry news, beginner content, expert advice, and other topics of interest to enthusiasts in the shooting, hunting, and outdoor communities. For more information, visit athlonoutdoors.com. Stay up-to-date with Bleecker Street Publications and Athlon Outdoors on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Media Contact:
Katie Burke
katie@bleeckerstreetpublications.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

GA-ASI and BAE Systems Collaborate on Autonomous Electronic Warfare Link 16 Capabilities on MQ-20 Avenger

Friday, November 8th, 2024

SAN DIEGO – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)collaborated with BAE Systems to demonstrate unique electronic warfare (EW) capabilities remotely controlled via a secure, jam-resistant Link 16 network on an MQ-20 Avenger® unmanned aircraft system (UAS). The Avenger is a jet-powered platform used extensively as a test bed for autonomous UAS development and the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program. The demonstration helps accelerate emerging networked electronic attack capabilities for U.S. Air Force Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs).

The demonstration took place at GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon flight operations facility in El Mirage, California, and is part of an ongoing series of technology insertion and autonomous flights performed using internal research and development funding to prove important concepts.

“This effort featured novel mission system capabilities and the viability of autonomous payload control on our MQ-20,” said Mike Atwood, Vice President of Advanced Programs at GA-ASI. “We’re identifying key areas for improvement, while sharing investment and reducing risk.”

BAE Systems provided customized mission technology that included EW capabilities, a multi-functional processor (MFP), and a Link 16 terminal. The company successfully tested the integrated solution in its System Integration Lab to identify and jam threats autonomously and under control of an operator. Command, control, and status of the EW system was made possible through software-based, open-mission-system (OMS) compliant message translation hosted on the MFP. A secure Link 16 networking waveform was used to disseminate this information.

“We are working closely with General Atomics to highlight the maturity of autonomous EW mission systems in support of U.S. Air Force objectives,” said Scott Bailie, director of Advanced Electronic Warfare Solutions at BAE Systems. “We are combining proven EW technology and secure command and control on a rapid timeline in a small form factor well-suited for CCAs.”

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SIG SAUER and Nibe Defence Announce Joint Venture in India

Friday, November 8th, 2024

NEWINGTON, N.H., (November 8, 2024) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is excited to announce a joint venture with Nibe Defence and Aerospace Limited to advance small arms and ammunition manufacturing operations in India. This new partnership will support India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, underscore both entities commitment to the region and bolster SIG SAUER’s role as the primary provider for India’s defence needs.

“SIG SAUER is meeting the increased international demand for our products by solidifying key partnerships across the globe,” began Ron Cohen, President, SIG SAUER. “This important new alliance in India serves to meet that demand in one of the most significant regions for growth in the coming decades. The joint venture with Nibe Defence gives SIG an expanded presence, greater customer engagement, and new collaboration opportunities to meet India’s growing needs.”

Officials from Nibe Defence joined representatives from SIG SAUER and the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces for an official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Pune, India on November 6, 2024.

As part of the “Make in India” initiative by the Government of India to accelerate the domestic manufacturing industry, the collaboration between Nibe and SIG SAUER will strengthen India’s defence capabilities while reinforcing India’s commitment to self-reliant defence manufacturing.

The Government of India, Ministry of Defence first awarded SIG SAUER a contract for the SIG716 in 2019 for 72,400 rifles. The successful fielding and overwhelming soldier acceptance led to a follow-on award for an additional 73,000 rifles.

“SIG SAUER is excited to partner with Nibe Defence, a proven leader in India’s defence sector, as the primary provider for India’s defence needs,” concluded Cohen.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, International, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on SIG SAUER and Nibe Defence Announce Joint Venture in India

U.S. Marine Corps Initiates Full-Rate Production for ACV-30

Friday, November 8th, 2024

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – November 07, 2024 – Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has received a contract from the U.S. Marine Corps for long lead items, signaling the start of full-rate production for the Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30mm program (ACV-30). The items included in the $51 million contract through PEO Land Systems Program Manager Advanced Amphibious Assault (PM AAA) are subcomponents specific to the 30mm remote turret, manufactured by KONGSBERG in Johnstown, Penn.

“The ACV-30 provides a significant increase in lethality for dismounted Marines. PM AAA is looking forward to a longstanding partnership with Kongsberg Defence through this direct contract between the two organizations. The opportunities gained will ensure Marines have what they need to support Marine Corps warfighting needs,” said Col Tim Hough, Program Manager for Advanced Amphibious Assault at PEO Land Systems.

ACV-30 is one of four variants in the next-generation ACV family of vehicles designed, developed and built by BAE Systems, providing the U.S. Marine Corps with ship to shore capability in what will be a full replacement of the Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAV). The ACV-30 variant mounts a stabilized, remotely operated Medium Caliber Turret (MCT-30) manufactured by KONGSBERG that provides the lethality and protection Marines need while leaving ample room for troop capacity and payload while keeping the crew under armor. The remote turret eliminates the space requirement of legacy turreted cannon systems and provides more room to transport troops or mission essential equipment, and reduces weight for better mobility.

“This agreement is an important milestone for the U.S. Marine Corps ACV-30 program, enabling rapid deliveries when full-rate production starts. We are pleased that US Marine Corp has selected the highly advanced 30mm PROTECTOR remote turret system from KONGSBERG in the program,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

The U.S. Marine Corps is continuing to grow its relationship with the PROTECTOR family of remote weapon systems and remote turrets from Kongsberg, providing streamlined training and sustainment as well as wireless fire control and future technology and effector integration.

The $51m contract is part of a framework agreement (“undefinitized contract action”) worth up to $329m announced on 4 November.

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Safariland Announces New Fits for the Incog X IWB Holster

Friday, November 8th, 2024

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) key brands, is excited to announce the popular Incog X Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) Holster now accommodates Glock pistols with large lights. This new addition further expands the versatility and functionality of the Incog X, making it even more accessible for concealed carry enthusiasts.

The Incog X IWB Holster, a collaboration between Haley Strategic Partners and Safariland, provides exceptional features for a top-tier concealed carry experience. This ergonomic, RDS-compatible, multi-positional holster allows users to achieve the perfect fit and comfort for their specific needs.

“The expansion of Incog X fits to accommodate pistols equipped with large lights allows us to meet the needs of even more concealed carry enthusiasts,” said Eric Gasvoda, vice president and general manager of duty gear for Safariland. “The introduction of large light fits for Glock handguns is the first in the Incog X large light line with additional fits for Sig Sauer and Stacatto anticipated to release in the coming weeks.”

Key features of the Incog X include:

• 3 sizes of Concealment Enhancing Clip strut shims

• Micro and full-size red-dot compatibility

• Microfiber suede-wrapped Boltaron body

• Optional magazine caddy with tension adjustment

• Over-the-belt polymer clips

• Passive trigger guard and ejection port retention

The Incog X features an improved clip strut design, combining functionality and customized concealment shims. These shims are available in three sizes: 1/8 inch, 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch. You can insert or remove them effortlessly without needing any tools, allowing for a fine-tuned concealed carry experience that suits any preferences.

Safariland continues prioritizing innovation and collaboration to provide customers with industry-leading IWB, OWB and duty holsters.

The Incog X IWB Holster fit for Glock handguns with large lights is now available. To learn more about the Incog X Holster and other Safariland products, visit www.safariland.com.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on Safariland Announces New Fits for the Incog X IWB Holster

Galvion Delivers an Order of 400 MAX-8 Mission Adaptive Charging Stations to AeroVironment

Friday, November 8th, 2024

Galvion, a world leader in the design and manufacture of integrated power and data management solutions and innovative head protection systems, has delivered the first order of its Nerv Centr® MAX-8 Mission Adaptive Charging Station™ to the US defense tech company, AeroVironment (AV).

The initial order of 400 units will be followed-up with an additional 800, to be delivered during 2025 and 2026 as part of a Long-Term Purchasing agreement.

AV is a leading provider of innovative, lightweight, and reliable uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), specializing in versatile solutions designed for tactical reconnaissance and surveillance. Galvion’s MAX-8™ has been integrated to deliver intelligent and adaptable charging for AV’s UAS battery systems, replacing the existing solution. Following close collaboration and extensive testing, Galvion successfully designed a universal adaptor that enables the MAX-8 to interface across AV’s small uncrewed aircraft systems (SUAS). This partnership extends beyond the initial orders, as the two companies will collaborate on future UAS charging solutions to meet evolving needs and drive continued product innovation.

Galvion’s Nerv Centr® MAX-8™ is a portable charging solution built to withstand the harsh conditions of expeditionary operations, where UAS operations are becoming increasingly vital. With the ability to draw power from multiple sources, including AC, solar and vehicle, the MAX-8 battery adapters offer the ability to charge different types of UAS and other batteries simultaneously, with no setting changes needed. The MAX-8 features intelligent functionality, including prioritization of needs, topping off the fullest battery first, automatic evaluation of power source and adjustment of charge rates to maximize power and minimize charge time.

“AV is proud to partner with Galvion for our battery power management solutions for our small UAS. This Universal Battery Charger provides our customers with seamless plug-and-play functionality, featuring universal adapters that enable efficient charging for all of AV’s current and future batteries across both our small UAS and ground control stations,” said Mike Jorgens, AV’s sr. product line manager.

Todd Stirtzinger, CEO at Galvion, said: “Our relationship with AV is a great example of Galvion’s commitment to developing productive collaborations with industry partners to better serve the warfighter. AV is recognized as a leader in designing and delivering innovative UAS solutions; Galvion is an expert in power management and charging – together, we can accelerate the pace of innovation by helping AV focus on UAS systems, while we concentrate on maximizing operational efficiency by keeping them charged.” He added: “With this initial order of 400 MAX-8 charging stations and customized adaptor delivered, and another 800 in the pipeline, we’re very much looking forward to building our relationship with AV and finding opportunities to further drive industry advancements.”

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